National Indigenous Peoples Day was celebrated in the Morden Park Bowl Saturday afternoon put on by the Pembina Valley Truth and Action Working Group (TAWG). With guest speakers sharing information on the past, present and future of indigenous people in Canada, traditional drumming and dancing with regalia adorned dancers from Roseau River First Nation, celebrated Indigenous culture.
TAWG Committee Member Courtney Yeo-Thiessen shared her feelings about the day.
"I am overjoyed. I was worried, at the beginning to see an empty. Not sure, it's a new venue, it's a new layout, it's a new group putting on an event like this. But to see the bowl fill up with so many people willing to listen, willing to just soak it all in, to see the children joining in the dances and watching them on stage with Jason (Lepine) I'm overjoyed today."
With speakers from Bloodvein First Nation sharing the history of First Nations people in Canada, and with Jordan's Principle and The Southern Chiefs Mobile Crisis Unit on hand to help build understanding and to share stories and support those needing it, Yeo-Thiessen described the day.
"Education happened today. There were lots of speakers, lots of presenters, and the biggest take away for me is they were able to share stories that people can learn from. So, lots of education, lots of learning and lots of takeaways.”
She added this was not only a day to look back, but National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day of celebration.
"Also, celebration, a little different from September 30th. It's the positive. Of course, there's lots of trauma that has happened in the past, that can't go unnoticed. But today was a celebration of what Indigenous peoples bring to our communities. Oftentimes, we don't recognize all the work that they do, and it's just incredible to watch it all come together."
